COVID-19 variants

COVID-19 variants are versions of the original virus that have changed slightly through mutations. These changes can affect how easily the virus spreads, the severity of illness, or how well vaccines work against them. Some variants become more common because they have advantages in spreading or evading immune responses. Health officials monitor these variants to understand their impact and adjust public health measures or vaccines if needed. Overall, while variants can influence the course of the pandemic, existing protective measures like vaccination, mask-wearing, and good hygiene remain effective ways to reduce risk.